Northern Dog program needs greater than anticipated – close to 50 dogs and over 20 cats relocated

Northern Dog program needs greater than anticipated – close to 50 dogs and over 20 cats relocated

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Stouffville, ON (October 5, 2018) – Today, 48 dogs and puppies and 23 cats and kittens from remote Northern communities are arriving at Ontario SPCA animal centres and affiliate SPCAs and humane societies around the province to be adopted through the Ontario SPCA’s Year of the Northern Dog program.

On this dog transfer, the Ontario SPCA and Northern Ontario animal wellness partners relocated animals from Naotkamegwanning First Nation (Whitefish Bay) and other Northern communities. The Ontario SPCA has been partnering with Naotkamegwanning First Nation since 2015 to support dogs and provide resources such as spay/neuter services.

When the Ontario SPCA was in Naotkamegwanning First Nation to transfer the dogs and puppies, the Society also participated in cultural ceremonies and provided humane education and bylaw consultation.

“These are customized solutions developed with community leadership, with the objective of building a healthy community for animals and people,” says Daryl Vaillancourt, Senior Director, Humane Programs and Community Outreach, Ontario SPCA.

After setting out on Wednesday for their long journey south, the dogs and cats are now arriving at Ontario SPCA Animal Centres in Sudbury, Barrie, Midland, Orillia, Muskoka, Orangeville, Stouffville, Cornwall, Pembroke, Napanee and Brockville where they will be placed up for adoption. The Peterborough Humane Society and Brant County SPCA will also be welcoming dogs into their adoption programs.

The issue of Northern dog overpopulation continues to be a major challenge across Canada. A lack of basic animal wellness services has created an abundance of dogs in the North, who need resources and support.

“This has been an extremely successful program, as we have seen over 200 dogs relocated and adopted by families in 2018. Spay and neuter clinics are also having a lasting and positive impact in these communities. The Ontario SPCA continues to encourage Northern communities to collaborate on a proactive and effective approach,” continues Vaillancourt.

The transfer was made possible thanks to the vision and leadership of the communities, as well as a partnership with Northern Reach Rescue Network, Second Chance Pet Network, the Peterborough Humane Society, Brant County SPCA and Northern Legacy Horse Farm, which transports dogs aboard its “Bark Bus.”

The Ontario SPCA has delivered animal wellness services and provided transfers from close to 30 Northern communities this year in celebration of the Year of the Northern Dog program. To bring awareness, attention and action to Northern dog overpopulation, the Ontario SPCA declared 2018 the Year of the Northern Dog.

For more information, including how you can get involved, visit northerndog.com

Protecting animals since 1873, Ontario SPCA is Ontario's animal welfare organization. A registered charity comprised of close to 50 communities.

Since 1919, when Ontario's first animal welfare legislation was proclaimed, the Ontario SPCA, with the help of its Communities, has been entrusted to maintain and enforce animal welfare legislation. The Act provides Ontario SPCA Agents and Inspectors with police powers to do so.